Coffee Break Covered Under Workers’ Comp

In the case at hand, a New Jersey plumber was injured in an auto accident while driving to take a coffee break, with the permission of his employer. He was injured while driving a company vehicle. The plumber’s appointment was late, and as a result, he had some time to kill.

The New Jersey Division of Workers’ Compensation ruled that the serious injuries were compensable since the accident occurred during the course of employment as opposed to being, not while running a personal errand.

In my opinion, this case is a stretch and exemplifies that most Workers’ Compensation Commissions will go to great lengths to allow benefits.